In this episode, Steph is back at Teesside University to meet Jorja Karmen, a bright, young Chemical Engineering student and beneficiary of an Enginuity scholarship. 

Jorja tells us about her less conventional route into chemical engineering, including how attending a nuclear and radiochemistry summer school in Leeds introduced her to the topic and how she juggled taking an extra course to meet entry requirements while working, post A-levels, as an assistant restaurant manager. 

Jorja discusses the impact of being diagnosed with Asperger’s late in Year 11, and how it’s helped her own understanding of the way she processes and thinks, and the benefits that has brought. 

Now in second year, Jorja shares why she started the Process Engineering Society at Teesside University, the need for more early representation to encourage girls into engineering and her own career goals. 

She tells us why funding support through Enginuity has helped her focus on her studies by reducing financial burden and lowering her stress and outlines her next steps including her hopes for her upcoming placement year.

00:00 Meet Jorja: Chemical Engineering student at Teeside University 

01:01 The Summer School That Sparked a New Path 

01:58 Finding a Route In: Access Course, Working Life & Learning From ‘Wrong Turns’

02:59 Mental Health & Late Autism Diagnosis: Understanding Yourself

05:05 Big Influences: Mum’s Entrepreneurial Drive & Resilience

05:58 Starting Uni Without the ‘Right’ A-Levels: Imposter Syndrome, Being One of Few Women

07:14 Thriving in Year 2: Launching the Process Engineering Society

08:29 Placements and Career Goals 

11:15 Why She Loves Engineering: Challenge, Passion, and Hyper-Focus

11:36 Women in Engineering: Representation, Stereotypes, and Starting Young

12:59 Career Switch & Confidence: ‘Academic Enough’ vs Real-World Skills

15:17 Life Beyond Uni

17:33 Funding & Support: How Scholarships Reduce Stress and Keep You Focused

18:58 What’s Next: Placement, Grad Role Goals

Get in touch with us at [email protected]

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In this special episode for National Apprenticeship Week, Steph interviews Chris McDonald, Minister for Industry in the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, and the Department for Business and Trade. 

The comprehensive discussion takes a look at the current UK apprenticeship ecosystem, its strengths and weaknesses and how to address the challenges which are hampering the supply chain of new talent for the UK manufacturing and skills industries. 

Chris shares stories from his own experiences starting out in the steel industry, and tells us why he’s dedicated to promoting apprenticeships. Plus why he believes government initiatives can expand apprenticeship opportunities, improve flexibility, and enhance the recognition of vocational training. 

00:00 Introduction to National Apprenticeship Week

00:23 Interview with Chris McDonald: Background and Current Role

03:14 Government Support for Industry Skills Transition

03:45 Balancing Net Zero Goals with Business Growth

06:01 Expanding and Improving Apprenticeships

10:36 Challenges and Solutions in Apprenticeship Systems

13:22 Promoting Apprenticeships and Skills Training

18:18 Addressing Social Mobility and Local Opportunities

19:37 Challenges Faced by Disengaged Youth

20:38 Innovative Apprenticeship Programs

22:49 Personal Experiences and Reflections

27:24 The Role of SMEs in Apprenticeships

28:55 Government's Role in Supporting Industry

31:04 The Future of Manufacturing in the UK

36:20 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Get in touch with us at [email protected]

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In this episode Steph meets Harry Young-Jamieson, the Managing Director of St Eval Candles, and one of the firm’s young apprentices, Cameron. 

Based on a farm in a North Cornwall village the family run business employs 70 staff, including three apprentices – making them a significant employer in the area.

Harry shares the history and evolution of the family business from its humble origins as a small candle factory to its role as a significant player in the market and discusses how the company has overcome challenges along the way, including the untimely death of his father, Tim, who was co-founder of the brand.

The episode also delves into the importance of apprenticeships and vocational training, with Cameron sharing the decisions which led him to an apprenticeship, and his ambitious plans for the future.

Together with Steph they discuss the need for greater awareness and support for apprenticeships, the role of local colleges, and community engagement in recruitment and training efforts, highlighting the benefits for both businesses and young people.

00:00 Welcome 

00:22 Meet St. Eval Candles

00:52 The Journey of St. Eval Candles

03:09 Cameron's Apprenticeship Experience

04:34 The Importance of Apprenticeships

07:24 Challenges and Community in Cornwall

16:36 Future Plans for St. Eval Candles

20:01 Cameron's Future Aspirations

21:06 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

This episode was recorded in December 2025.

Get in touch with the podcast at [email protected]

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In this episode, Steph meets three recipients of the brand-new ‘Steph McGovern Women in Engineering Scholarship, powered by Enginuity’.

Abigail, Munachi and Katie are all students at Teeside University and share their individual journeys into engineering, revealing what sparked their passion for the subject, who have been their role models, and their aspirations within their specific branches of engineering.

They discuss the importance of visibility and support for women in STEM, the diverse opportunities within engineering and how, as future engineers, they aim to solve global challenges. The students also talk about how the scholarship will have a meaningful and positive impact on their studies.

00:00 Welcome and Introduction

00:07 Meet the Scholarship Recipients

00:49 Abigail's Journey to an Engineering degree

03:14 Munachi's Path to Chemical Engineering

06:56 Katie's Passion for Electrical Engineering

12:00 Challenges and Solutions in Engineering

16:02 The Importance of Engineers for Society’s Future

17:47 Final Messages

Get in touch with us at [email protected]

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In this episode, Steph is joined by Lee Higgins, a data expert from Enginiuity, to delve into the latest statistics on vocational education, specifically focusing on apprenticeships in the engineering and manufacturing sectors. 

Lee shares the current state of apprenticeship starts, regional growth patterns, and the lasting impact from Covid-19. 

Steph and Lee highlight the ongoing challenge of changing perceptions towards vocational training versus university education, and the need for better school signposting. 

00:00 Introduction and Guest Background

00:45 Current State of Engineering Apprenticeships

01:48 Regional Differences in Apprenticeship Growth

03:00 Challenges and Trends in Vocational Education

04:32 The Value of Apprenticeships vs. University

09:19 Survey Insights on Vocational Education

12:06 Policy and Future Directions

18:31 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Get in touch with us at [email protected]

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In this episode, Steph sits down with Nicola Dolan, Head of Charity Operations at Enginuity, to find out about their exciting new initiative – the Policy Centre.

The virtual hub aims to unify and amplify the voices of the 325,000 SMEs in the engineering and manufacturing sector, ensuring the collective body get their say in the UK policy debate. 

Nicola explains the importance of the Policy Centre in addressing the unique challenges faced by SMEs, such as attracting skilled labour and navigating a rapidly changing policy landscape. 

The discussion covers how the Policy Centre plans to gather data, convene discussions, and use both qualitative and quantitative insights to advocate for meaningful policy changes. 

Plus find out how SMEs can participate in an upcoming survey (launching on the 26th Jan) to strengthen collective advocacy efforts.

00:09 Introducing the Policy Centre

00:48 The Importance of SMEs in the UK

02:14 Challenges Faced by SMEs

05:40 Policy Centre's Role and Collaboration

07:00 Engaging with SMEs

11:22 Current Initiatives and Future Plans

12:38 Call to Action for SMEs

13:22 Conclusion and Contact Information

Get in touch with podcast at [email protected]

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In this unique holiday episode of 'Steph on Skills, powered by Enginuity,' Steph is joined by none other than Santa himself, to discuss the role STEM plays in engaging and inspiring the next generation of engineers.

Santa shares his insights on the most requested and innovative toys, and why he believes kindness and hard work make can set people up for an exciting future.

Steph and Santa also delve into how STEM and AI are used in daily life, offering advice for nurturing children's curiosity in these fields. 

Plus, Santa delivers some Festive Wishes from the engineering and manufacturing industry. 

Santa also offers a humorous look at how to survive the demands of the season as he shares his festive cheer.

00:00 Santa Takes Over the Show

00:13 Festive Period and Santa's Insights

00:57 Santa's Busy Schedule and Christmas Spirit

02:23 Santa's Science and Engineering Wonders

05:40 STEM and Inspiring Young Minds

09:09 Festive Wishes to Support Small and Medium Businesses

13:53 Gifts, Gingerbread Houses, and Final Thoughts

Get in touch with us at [email protected]

With special thanks to Santa from NE1 and Newcastle City Council’s ‘Newcastle’s Christmas’ in collaboration with Evnt Inspirations www.newcastleschristmas.com

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In this episode, Steph speaks with multi-award winner, Richard Brigman OBE, Founder of Warren Services, and his son Will, Managing Director of the family-run business. 

The father-son duo, based in Norfolk, talk about the evolution and impact of apprenticeships in the engineering sector. 

They discuss the history of their SME contract manufacturing business and their dedication to training young talent and creating a talent pipeline.

They share their innovative approach to engaging students and explain how they’ve created a long-standing relationship with local schools and the council. 

Plus, they reveal the personal story behind their commitment to overcoming barriers and fostering a skilled workforce.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:22 Founding the Business: A Family Affair

01:59 Challenges and Evolution of Apprenticeships

02:59 Engaging the Next Generation

08:30 Overcoming Dyslexia and Personal Challenges

10:42 Building Strong Community and Educational Partnerships

17:02 Advice for Businesses and Future Workforce Development

22:30 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Get in touch with your feedback and ideas at [email protected]

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In this episode of Steph on Skills powered by Enginuity, Steph meets Paul and Hannah Linden, a father-daughter duo working together for the Red Bull Formula One Team. 

With over two decades of experience in engineering, Paul manages the development of the 2026 race engine – or power train – making him the man who could make or break the team’s success next season. 

Having recently completed her apprenticeship, Hannah has followed in her father’s footstep by joining the automotive industry and is a Dimensional Quality Assurance Inspector, with the job of checking her dad’s engine components!

Together they discuss their career journeys, sharing the exciting, high-paced nature of Formula One engineering and the role apprenticeships and practical skills have played in their career development. 

Steph also asks how we change perceptions of a career in engineering, especially for women and girls, and Hannah and Paul offer their own opinion on the topic.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction

01:17 Paul's Career Journey

05:07 Hannah's Career Path

09:21 Encouraging the Next Generation 

13:44 Challenges and Advice for Aspiring Engineers

18:02 Conclusion and Farewell

To share feedback, ideas or comments you can get in touch with the podcast at [email protected]

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In this episode Steph talks with Andrea Wilson, Managing Director of Hone All. 

Andrea sits on numerous committees and industry bodies and is a passionate campaigner, desperate to reshape the manufacturing industry so it flourishes. 

In this conversation she shares insights into the challenges and triumphs of running a specialist subcontract machining company, speaks honestly about the shortcomings of Further Education Colleges in providing relevant training for young people, and emphasises the dire need for governmental support tailored to SMEs. 

Andrea also tells us why she believes tax credits for training and development might help address the current skill gaps, and highlights the necessity for better support and ecosystem in vocational training. 

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction

00:23 Overview of Hone All

00:51 Diverse Range of Products

01:31 Current Business Climate

02:21 Challenges in Skill Acquisition

03:44 Issues with Further Education

08:19 Proposed Solutions for Skill Development

14:37 The Importance of Vocational Training

17:15 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Get in touch with your comments, ideas and feedback at [email protected]

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